Phoenix, Arizona – a city forged in the Sonoran Desert, known for its relentless sunshine and spirit of reinvention. It’s a place where aspirations take root and grow, much like the towering saguaros that define its landscape. For over one hundred years, mirroring the city’s own dynamic evolution, Dream City Church has served as a spiritual bedrock and a beacon of hope, growing from humble beginnings into a significant force for faith and community action across the Valley and beyond. As we reflect on its recent centennial milestone, the story of Dream City Church unfolds as a rich tapestry woven with faith, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people of Phoenix.
Planting Seeds in Early Phoenix (1923)
Imagine Phoenix in 1923. It wasn’t the sprawling metropolis we know today. With a population hovering around 30,000, it was a burgeoning agricultural town, deeply connected to the Salt River Valley’s canals and cotton fields, just beginning to embrace its destiny as a major Southwestern hub. The iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture was taking shape, but much of the landscape beyond the town center remained open desert.
It was into this pioneering environment that Phoenix First Assembly was born. Founded by John Eiting and affiliated with the relatively young Pentecostal movement of the Assemblies of God, its origins were modest, often described as starting from gatherings reminiscent of tent meetings – fueled by passion and a desire to build a community grounded in faith. Establishing a church in this still-developing city required vision and tenacity, qualities that would define the congregation for the next century.
Growth, Innovation, and the Arrival of Tommy Barnett (Mid-Century – 1979)
Through the mid-20th century, as Phoenix experienced post-war growth, Phoenix First Assembly grew alongside it, establishing itself as a stable presence. But a truly transformative chapter began in 1979 with the arrival of Pastor Tommy Barnett. Coming from Davenport, Iowa, where he had already grown a congregation from 76 members to over 4,000, Barnett brought dynamic energy and visionary leadership.
Under his guidance, Phoenix First Assembly entered an era of unprecedented expansion. The church didn’t just grow in numbers; it grew in influence and innovation. The large, distinctive sanctuary complex on Cave Creek Road, built in 1980, became a local landmark. Pastor Barnett became known for pioneering creative ministry methods – using elaborate illustrated sermons, full-scale theatrical productions, drama, and media to present the Gospel message in ways that felt fresh, relevant, and deeply engaging to a contemporary audience. This wasn’t just church; it was an experience.
Outreach Takes Center Stage (1990s – Early 2000s)
Pastor Tommy Barnett’s leadership wasn’t confined to the church walls. Deeply moved by the needs of marginalized communities, he co-founded the original Dream Center in Los Angeles in 1994. This groundbreaking ministry aimed to “find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it,” providing comprehensive support – from food and shelter to recovery programs and job training.
This powerful model soon took root in Phoenix. Around 2002, the Phoenix Dream Center (PDC) was established as a vital outreach arm of the church. What started with delivering a few bags of groceries quickly blossomed. Today, the volunteer-driven PDC is a major non-profit organization serving over 40,000 people each month. Its crucial programs offer hope and practical help, including:
- Fighting Hunger: Providing tens of thousands of meals weekly.
- Combating Human Trafficking: Offering safe housing and recovery programs for survivors.
- Addiction Recovery: Providing Christian-based life recovery programs and housing.
- Supporting Families and Youth: Offering resources, mentorship, and community outreach.
- Serving the Vulnerable: Reaching out to those in nursing homes and prisons.
The Dream Center solidified the church’s identity as deeply committed to hands-on community transformation.
Dream City Church Emerges (2011 – Present)
In 2011, the mantle of senior leadership passed to Pastor Luke Barnett, Tommy Barnett’s son, with Pastor Tommy remaining actively involved as co-pastor (now Global Pastor). The transition marked not an end, but an acceleration. Under Pastor Luke’s leadership, weekly attendance continued to climb dramatically, nearly doubling in just a couple of years, solidifying its place as one of the largest congregations in the nation.
This new era also brought a new name. In 2015, Phoenix First Assembly officially became Dream City Church. The name change signaled a broadening vision and the launch of a multi-site strategy to reach more communities. Scottsdale became the first additional campus that year, followed quickly by Glendale in 2016 through a unique merger with the former Lutheran congregation, Community Church of Joy. By its centennial, Dream City Church had expanded to numerous locations, including the White Mountains, Short Creek, and even campuses in California, operating under the “One Church, Many Locations” model, sharing resources and vision across its network.
Furthermore, the church deepened its investment in future leaders through Dream City College and its partnership with Southeastern University (SEU), housing the SEU Arizona extension site. Notably, SEU’s Barnett College of Ministry & Theology is named in honor of Pastor Tommy Barnett, who also serves as the university’s Chancellor.
Celebrating a Century, Building the Future (2023 and Beyond)
The 100th anniversary in late 2023 was a significant moment of reflection and celebration. The “100 Years – From Legacy to Destiny” series across all campuses during October and November allowed the congregation to honor its rich history – from humble beginnings to city-wide impact – while casting vision for the future.
That future includes ambitious plans under the “Kingdom Builders” initiative. As shared in reflections on 2023, the church aims to “enlarge its tents,” focusing on major expansion projects at its Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale campuses – building new facilities for children and youth, enhancing worship spaces, and creating more community areas. There’s also a dedicated focus on new outreach, including establishing churches on Native American reservations and engaging the community through a growing Civics ministry. As a prominent institution, the church has also found itself in the public square, hosting various large-scale community and political events over the years.
An Enduring Legacy
From its modest 1923 founding in a burgeoning desert town to its current status as a multi-campus megachurch with extensive community programs, Dream City Church’s 100-year journey is intrinsically linked to the story of Phoenix itself. It’s a narrative of adaptation, growth, and a persistent calling to serve – a legacy of faith that continues to shape lives and impact the Valley, poised to write the next chapter in its unfolding story.
